Article of clothing

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an article of clothing ( 1 ), comprising a textile carrier material ( 2 ), which surrounds a body section of a wearer of the article of clothing ( 1 ), wherein an adhesion layer ( 3 ) is arranged on the carrier material ( 2 ) at that side of the carrier material ( 2 ) which faces the body section, which adhesion layer ( 3 ) contacts a part of the body section during the intended use of the article of clothing ( 1 ), wherein the textile carrier material ( 2 ) without adhesion layer ( 3 ) expands itself by a first elastic amount of expansion (Δs 1 ) during application of a defined expansion force (F 0 ). To apply a stimulation effect to the skin of the wearer of the article of clothing the invention proposes that the textile carrier material ( 2 ) with adhesion layer ( 3 ) expands itself by a second elastic amount of expansion (Δs 2 ) during application of the expansion force (F 0 ) which is at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, of the first elastic amount of expansion (Δs 1 ).

The invention relates to an article of clothing, comprising a textile carrier material, which surrounds a body section of a wearer of the article of clothing, wherein an adhesion layer is arranged on the carrier material at that side of the carrier material which faces the body section, which adhesion layer contacts a part of the body section during the intended use of the article of clothing, wherein the textile carrier material without adhesion layer expands itself by a first elastic amount of expansion during application of a defined expansion force.

Article of clothing according to the generic kind are used in the field of sports and medicinal to execute a compression on certain desired regions of the body. Thereby, a stimulation is created which acts typically circularly, for example in the region of an arm or of a leg, to improve the venous return and to counteract a thrombosis or a lymph swelling.

Thereby, different methods are used to influence the biomechanical body functions of the wearer of the article of clothing. Currently, among other things a base compression and the application of different so-called tapes or zones with a high strain, resistance are in use. Those technologies work with a differentiated contact pressure, which the different stretchability (expansion force which has to be applied) of the different zones of the article of clothing carries out onto the body of the wearer of the article of clothing. A direct contact of the active materials with the skin and a direct effect onto the skin, as it is postulated by the so-called kinesiological taping, does not exist at those techniques.

Other applications have to support joints and have to give hold to the same respectively. Here, an application in the knee region should be mentioned as an example at which the patella is left open. With respect to this concept an article of clothing of the kind as mentioned above is known from EP 1 810 649 B1. Here, a close-fitting article of clothing is described which is provided with a material with a high coefficient of friction at that side which faces the skin of the wearer. To limit the movement of muscles, joints and other body parts, to prevent contusions, bruises, extensions of muscles, sprains, bone fractures as well as other injuries a bandage is provided, for which reason here it is specifically provided to design the material with a high coefficient of friction in such a manner that its elasticity is smaller than the elasticity of the textile basic material. The ability of movement of the textile which is contacted by the material with the high coefficient of friction is thus specifically restricted in its ability of movement.

Insofar applications exist which work with the base function of an unlimited circularly compression as well as further developments with regional compression. Unlimited circularly compression means the contact pressure by means of a tight article of clothing which is created by the textile material onto the body of the wearer. This pressure must be defined and must decline from remote from the heart to near the heart—i. e. from distal to proximal. The blood circulation is stimulated by the reduction of the cross section of the veins—at least in resting state—and also the evacuation of waste products is accelerated.

Insofar, the described techniques work according to a simple principle at which the (tension)force is substantially delivered by the material of the article of clothing and at which it acts onto the body in an unspecific manner. Such compression garment is known as sports garment for the improvement in performance as well as for regeneration. Garment exists with a general compression or with a specific contact pressure.

Thereby, materials with different stretchability are often used, as the case may be with so-called tapes and laminations respectively which are applied from the outside. A direct effect onto the skin is not achieved with this.

The so-called kinesiological taping goes back to the Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase. About 30 years ago he developed a special band-aid (tape) which is highly elastically, breathable and eudemic. It rests onto the skin as a second skin. It stretches with every movement and contracts again without limiting the freedom of movement. Compared with other band-aids and bandages the musculature is not released so that it does not degenerate. Instead, the skin is gently lifted and massaged during each movement by the elastic tape. The flow of lymph and blood should be stimulated and support the metabolism in the muscles and sinews. As a consequence tensions should be reduced and inflammations should be regressed.

Usually, kinesiological taping is used to protect specific muscle groups against injuries or also merely for the improvement in performance of an athlete.

Nowadays, the kinesiological taping works with high elastic cotton bands which are impregnated at the inner side with an adhesive film. This tape is glued onto the skin along the respective muscle strands which should be supported or stimulated. The tape has the same stretchability than the human skin and is applied onto the skin without additional tension. So it is ensured that the tape does not form an additional mechanical enforcement. The tape stimulates the muscle fibres and the subcutaneous metabolism, it improves the biomechanical performance and supports the recreation.

It is the object of the invention to provide an article of clothing, especially a pair of trousers or a top for the use in sports, by which it is possible in a simple and efficient manner to carry out a stimulation effect onto the skin, wherein the effect should be used as it occurs during the kinesiological taping.

The solution of this object by the invention is characterized in that the textile carrier material with adhesion layer expands itself by a second elastic amount of expansion during application of the expansion force which is at least 65% of the first elastic amount of expansion. Preferably, the second elastic amount of expansion is at least 75% of the first elastic amount of expansion.

Accordingly, it is thus provided that in distinction to the above mentioned state of the art according EP 1 810 649 B1—an article of clothing made of a textile carrier material is provided with an adhesion layer at the inner side, i. e. facing the skin of the wearer of the article of clothing, that however is designed in such a manner that the resistance during stretching rises only minimally which is expressed by the mentioned change of the elastic amount of expansion which results necessarily when the adhesion layer is applied onto the textile carrier material.

A preferred embodiment of the concept according to the invention provides that the adhesion layer is arranged on the textile carrier material lamellar. Here, a plurality of parallel lamellar regions of the adhesion layer can be arranged on the textile carrier material.

The adhesion layer can be arranged on the textile carrier material also wavelike, wherein it can be provided again that a plurality of parallel wavelike regions of the adhesion layer is arranged on the textile carrier material.

The adhesion layer can also be arranged on the textile carrier material as a dot pattern.

In all cases it is made sure by the proposed geometrical design of the adhesion layer that the mechanical resistance against tension remains as small as possible which is created by the additional material of the adhesion layer which is applied onto the textile carrier material.

Thereby, the lamellar or wavelike arranged adhesion layer can extend in the direction of a provided longitudinal expansion of the article of clothing or can also run transverse to this direction. This longitudinal expansion corresponds generally with the direction of the respective muscle fiber.

The adhesion layer consists preferably of silicone or comprises at least silicone, it can be imprinted, glued or laminated on the textile carrier material.

The textile carrier material consists preferably of polyester. An alternative solution provides that the textile carrier material consists of a block copolymer from the components polyurethane and polyethylene glycol (Elastan). It is also possible according to a preferred solution to employ a combination of polyester and Elastan. Generally, it can be provided that the textile carrier material consists of a synthetic spun fiber which is combined with Elastan.

Elastan is a highly elastic synthetic fiber and is similar to rubber but has a higher rigidity and is more durable. The urethane forms stiff elongated sections which accumulate longitudinally to another and allow the cohesion of the fibres due to the creation of additional valence forces. However, the rubber-like blocks of poly alcohol are strongly balled up, but can be stretched easily. By this combination of stiff and elastic blocks the very high elasticity of more than 700% is obtained.

The article of clothing is preferably cut in such a manner that it attaches itself with an elastic tension around the body section of the wearer of the article of clothing which, body section is covered by the article of clothing. Hereby, the adhesion layer is pressed onto the skin surface and a good hold on the skin is ensured due to the high coefficient of friction of the adhesion layer.

Preferably, the material of the adhesion layer has a coefficient of static friction (on the skin) which is at least μ=0.4, preferably at least μ=0.5. In contrast, the textile carrier material has preferably a coefficient of static friction (on the skin) which is maximal μ=0.3, preferably maximal μ=0.25.

The proposed article of clothing thus is a tight fitting article of clothing which is especially printed or laminated with an adhesion layer on the inner side, i. e, at the side facing the skin. This adhesion layer in the form of a film has a coefficient, of friction which is different from the textile basis material. Those different surface properties between textile carrier material and adhesion layer cause a stimulation effect during the wearing of the article of clothing which stimulates or relaxes the biomechanical functions and defined muscle groups respectively according to the embodiment. The arrangement and embodiment of the zones can be carried out according to the principles of the described kinesiological Taping.

Thus, the present invention uses the principle of the kinesiological taping and applies it specifically to a garment. A pressure with high friction resistance is applied at the inner side of the garment like a film. The garment is arranged in tight fit on the skin and creates so a defined compression which ensures a pressing of the adhesion layer on the skin. The zones which are printed with the adhesion layer thus correspond to the principles of the kinesiological taping.

It is essential that the adhesion layer is arranged in the inner of the garment and lies on the skin during intentional use of the garment. Specific manipulations of the body functions can be carried out via the material properties of the adhesion layer as well as via the structure.

The stimulation effect is created only by the different static friction properties of the textile carrier material and adhesion layer. In distinction to other pre-known solutions (see the above discussed EP 1 810 649 B1) no mechanical reinforcements shall be generated by an increased strain resistance. That means that the muscular force must be raised only by the wearer of the garment. Accordingly, the tonicity is obtained and it is trained respectively.

So, it is an essential aspect of the proposed solution that the strain resistance of the textile carrier material is kept and is modified as little as possible respectively to accomplish the mentioned stimulation effect due to the different coefficients of friction between the textile carrier material and the adhesion layer and due to a movement as big as possible.

The following specifically preferred applications should be emphasized:

On the one hand a specific muscle stimulation can be carried out. For doing so adhesion layers are placed on the textile carrier material along defined muscle ways. Preferably, the coating takes place by means of textile printing techniques or laminations. The zones which are provided with the adhesion layer stimulate the skin surface by means of the higher static friction compared with the textile carrier material. It is important to make sure that the strain resistance against the carrier material remains as constant as possible and changes only minimal respectively. The zones which are provided with the adhesion layer cause an adhesion on the skin, while the pure textile zones allow an easy slipping. The discrepancy between adhesion and, slipping leads to a stimulation of the skin at the adhesion zones. This stimulation is transferred to the muscles fibres and skin layers which are thereunder and acts locally onto the muscle and the metabolism.

On the other hand a stimulation of the lymph flow can occur. Therefore, adhesion layers are arranged along defined ways which again are applied onto the textile carrier material by means of textile printing or lamination techniques. Again a stimulation of the skin surface takes place due to the difference in the coefficients of static friction of the adhesion layer and of the textile carrier material. It is again important to make sure that the strain resistance against the textile carrier material remains equal and changes only minimal respectively. The treated zones cause an adhesion on the skin whereas the pure textile zones of the carrier material allow an easy slipping. Again, the discrepancy between adhesion and slipping leads to a stimulation of the skin at the adhesion zones. The arising stimulation is transferred to the lymph channels thereunder and stimulates the evacuation of waste products and of lymph. It is a precondition here that the contact pressure which is exerted by the garment onto the body due to the textile carrier material and the cut of the garment is raising with the distance from the heart and hence transports lymph in the direction of the lymph nodes and from the extremities to the middle of the body and thus to the excretion organs.

A preferred embodiment of the proposed concept comprises with respect to the desired and required differences in the coefficient of static friction a printing, a glueing or a laminating of silicon, which is characterized by a high coefficient of static friction, wherein simultaneously a high stretchability and elasticity is ensured, so that it can be applied on big areas on the compression garment. Hereby the stretchability of the textile carrier material, i. e. of the fabric, is not significantly restrained; furthermore, engraving is prevented.

The proposed concept uses the different coefficients of friction of the various materials which are employed. Specific zones are created with more or less adhesion which cause a stimulation of the skin surface. Herewith a new spectrum of medical and physiotherapeutical techniques is developed which can be realized by means of a garment via the physical stimulation of the skin surface. Hereby it is important to create the stimulation of the skin without an additional mechanical reinforcement by reinforced materials and sections respectively with increased strain resistance to obtain a pure stimulation of the skin surface and the layers below it according to the principle of the kinesiological taping.

The contact pressure on the body can be defined and the precise location of the stimulation zones can be defined by the use of the stimulation of the surface additionally to a defined basis compression.

Accordingly, a garment for wearing at the body is provided which comprises modified zones at the inner side which are different with respect to its physical surface properties and/or surface structures with reference to the friction and adhesion respectively from the textile basis material of the garment.

Thus, the zones which are applied with printing or transfer technology have a higher coefficient of friction compared with the carrier material of the garment, wherein however the zones of the adhesion layers have a very similar strain resistance compared with the carrier material (textile basis material).

The stimulation of the skin and the upper body layers is obtained by the above mentioned material properties in combination with surface structure and the form of the adhesion layer respectively. Advantageously, this is achieved in combination with the compression technology which is pre-known as such.

In the drawing embodiments of the invention are depicted. It shows:

FIG. 1 a track pants in the front view according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1 b the track pants according FIG. 1 a, wherein the inner side is turned outwards,

FIG. 2 a, b to FIG. 6 a, b in the depiction according to FIG. 1 in the front view or in the side view different track pants as variants of the invention,

FIG. 7 a to FIG. 7 d track pants seen from one side, in the front view, seen from the other side and seen from behind with the inner side turned outwards according to a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 a to FIG. 8 d track pants seen from one side, in the front view, seen from the other side and seen from behind with the inner side turned outwards according to a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 9 a in the front view and FIG. 9 b seen from behind track pants with the inner side turned outwards according to a further embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 10 a perspective view as well as a cross section of an adhesion layer of the track pants on a textile carrier material according to FIG. 1 to 9 in wavelike design,

FIG. 11 a perspective view as well as a cross section of an adhesion layer of the track pants on a textile carrier material according to FIG. 1 to 9 in a linear design,

FIG. 12 a perspective view as well as a cross section of an adhesion layer of the track pants on a textile carrier material according to FIG. 1 to 9 in point-shaped design,

FIG. 13 a variant of the embodiment of the adhesion layer according to FIG. 10, wherein the wavelike design runs in the direction of a longitudinal expansion,

FIG. 14 a variant of the embodiment of the adhesion layer according to FIG. 10, wherein the wavelike design runs traverse to the direction of a longitudinal expansion,

FIG. 15 a schematically a lamellar section of the track pants without charging with a force.

FIG. 15 b schematically the lamellar section according to FIG. 15 a, wherein the section consists of a textile carrier material without adhesion layer, wherein a measuring force was applied,

FIG. 15 e schematically the lamellar section according to FIG. 15 a, wherein the section consists of a textile carrier material with wavelike adhesion layer according to FIG. 14, wherein the measuring force was applied.

FIG. 15 d schematically the lamellar section according to FIG. 15 a, wherein the section consists of a textile carrier material with wavelike adhesion layer according to FIG. 13, wherein the measuring force was applied and

FIG. 16 a diagram in which the change of length via the measurement force is shown for different textile materials with and without adhesion layer at a charging according to FIG. 15.

In FIGS. 1 to 6 different articles of clothing 1 in the form of track pants are depicted, wherein the figures which are marked with “a” show the trousers in normal view (in a front view or in a side view) and the figures which are marked with “b” show the trousers inside out, i. e. the inner side is turned to the outside.

It can be seen that the trousers consist of a textile earlier material 2 on which an adhesion layer 3 is applied. For doing so printing or laminating techniques as well as glueing techniques are employed.

As can be seen the adhesion layers 3 are applied according to a pretended course, which is chosen to obtain a defined muscle stimulation and/or to stimulate the lymph flow.

In FIGS. 7 a to 7 d another embodiment is shown which is analogue to FIGS. 1 to 6. Here, the adhesion layer 3 runs lamellar at the inner side of the track pants 1 (which inner side is shown, turned to the outside). It should be noted that the depicted lamellar structures as shown here can be realized according on or more kinds as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 (see below).

In FIGS. 8 a to 8 d still another embodiment is depicted which is analogue to FIGS. 1 to 6. Here, the adhesive layer 3 is arranged partially more large-area (see region of the thigh). The depicted structures can again be realized according to one or more of the kinds as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12.

The embodiment according to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b shows wavelike arranged adhesion layers 3 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the leg. Also here, the depicted structures can be realized according to one or more of the kinds as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12.

Different possible embodiments of the adhesion layer 3 on the textile carrier material 2 are shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12. According to FIG. 10 the adhesion layer 3 is arranged in the form of parallel waves. The cross section through the carrier material 2 and the adhesion layer 3 is shown below the course which is shown in the upper part of the figure.

According to figure lithe adhesion layer is a continuous strip.

At the solution according to FIG. 12 it is provided that the adhesion layer is designed as a (preferably regular) dot pattern

By the respective geometrical embodiment of the adhesion layer 3 on the textile carrier material it can be provided that the additional mechanical rigidity of the material of the garment rises only minimal with respect to the force which is necessary for an extension, what corresponds to the aim according to the invention whereby the carrier material 2 which is supplied with the adhesion layer 3 should not create a bandage effect but—to the contrary—should follow the movement of the skin surface without exerting an appreciable force.

Also, the arrangement of the wave form of the adhesion layer elements on the carrier material has influence. In FIG. 13 it can be seen how a plurality of wavelike and parallel running strips of the adhesion layer 3 on the carrier material 2 are arranged in such a way that the planed direction L of the longitudinal strain of the garment runs quasi in the direction of the wavelike strips. According to FIG. 14 the wavelike strips 3 run however in the direction Q transverse to the direction L.

Accordingly, for the solution according to FIG. 14 a smaller rise of the strain resistance can be expected advantageously than in the case of FIG. 13.

In FIG. 15 it is again shown how the embodiment according to the invention has to be understood.

In FIG. 15 a a measuring strip with a defined width and height is depicted (e. g. 10 mm×100 mm) which consists exclusively of textile carrier material 2. The measuring strip is fixed at one end 4 at a measurement device.

Now, a measurement force in the form of a strain force F₀—according to FIG. 15 b—is applied at the other end 5, e. g. 50 N. The strip, which is free from an adhesion layer, is stretched by a first elastic stretch amount Δs₁.

Now, the strip made from textile carrier material is provided with an adhesion layer, see FIG. 15 c and FIG. 15 d. According to FIG. 15 c the adhesion layer 3 runs in the form of wavelike strips which are arranged transversal to the stretch direction. Now, after application of the strain force F₀ a second elastic stretch amount Δs₂ is measured, which is however not significantly smaller than the first elastic stretch amount Δs₁.

If the parallel and wavelike strips are arranged in the strain direction, as it is shown in FIG. 15 d, a slightly bigger resistance is brought against the straining force F₀ by the adhesion layer 3 which is applied onto the textile carrier material, so that the second elastic stretch amount Δs₂ is now a bit smaller.

In any case the embodiment according to the invention is chosen in such a way that the textile carrier material 2 including the adhesive layer 3 is stretched after the application of the strain force F₀ by such a second elastic stretch amount Δs₂ which is at least 65% of the first stretch amount Δs₁.

This makes sure that an optimal massage and stimulation effect respectively is obtained during the wearing of the garment 1, so that no reinforcement and stiffening respectively of the garment, which is undesired here, must be accepted due to the adhesion layer.

In FIG. 16 a diagram is shown in which the strain Δs (in mm) is depicted for different embodiments of the garment which takes place when applying of a force F (in N).

The curve A shows the course for pure textile carrier material 2 on which thus no adhesion layer 3 is provided. A force F₀ causes the maximal first elastic stretch amount Δs₁ (compare with FIG. 15 b).

The application of a wavelike transversal adhesion layer 3 (see FIG. 15 c) onto the carrier material 2 leads—according curve B—to a only slightly smaller second stretch amount Δs₂ when the force F₀ is exerted.

This stretch amount becomes still a bit smaller when—according to curve C—a wavelike longitudinal adhesion layer 3 is applied (see FIG. 15 d).

However, the proposed materials which are provided with an adhesion layer 3 are substantially more elastic than pre-known solutions according to the state of the art which are apparent from curve D. Here, a bandage effect is aimed for; the flexibility of the material is thus reduced significantly, when the adhesion layer is applied (see EP 1 810 649 B1).

According to the invention the course of the graphs remains in the shaded region in FIG. 16, i. e. the textile carrier material 2 including the adhesion layer 3 is stretched due to the application of a strain force F₀ by a stretch amount Δs₂ which is at least 65% of the first stretch amount Δs₁.

Thus, it is possible to stimulate muscle streams and lymph channels respectively in a defined manner. The precise course of those streams is determined at the basis garment. It is determined which textile printing and lamination technology respectively transfers the functionality optimal onto the body without significantly influencing the strain properties and the elasticity of the fabric. With respect to this the thickness of the adhesion layer and its shape as well as the surface properties of the applied material (mostly silicone) are influence parameters. The determined shape of the course of the adhesion layer at the inner side of the garment is then applied onto the textile carrier material.

LIST OF REFERENCES

-   1 Article of clothing -   2 Textile carrier material -   3 Adhesion layer -   4 End -   5 End -   F₀ Expansion force -   Δs₁ First elastic amount of expansion -   Δs₂ Second elastic amount of expansion -   L Direction of the longitudinal expansion -   Q Direction transverse to the longitudinal expansion -   A Graph for pure textile carrier material -   B Graph with wavelike transversal adhesion layer -   C Graph with wavelike longitudinal adhesion layer -   D Graph for material with adhesion layer according to the state of     the art 

1. An article of clothing, comprising: a textile carrier material, which surrounds a body section of a wearer of the article of clothing, an adhesion layer is arranged on the carrier material at that side of the carrier material which faces the body section, which adhesion layer contacts a part of the body section during the intended use of the article of clothing, the textile carrier material without adhesion layer expands by a first elastic amount of expansion during application of a defined expansion force, and the textile carrier material with adhesion layer expands by a second elastic amount of expansion during application of the expansion force which is at least 65% of the first elastic amount of expansion, wherein the article of clothing is cut so as to attach with an elastic tension around the body section of the wearer of the article of clothing which body section is covered by the article of clothing and thereby the article of clothing is close-fitting to the skin of the wearer and creates a defined compression which ensures a pressing of the adhesion layer on the skin,
 2. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the textile carrier material with adhesion layer expands by a second elastic amount of expansion during application of the expansion force which is at least 75% of the first elastic amount of expansion.
 3. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer is arranged on the textile carrier material lamellar.
 4. The article of clothing according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of parallel lamellar regions of the adhesion layer is arranged on the textile carrier material.
 5. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer is arranged on the textile carrier material wavelike.
 6. The article of clothing according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of parallel wavelike regions of the adhesion layer is arranged on the textile carrier material.
 7. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer is arranged on the textile carrier material as a dot pattern.
 8. The article of clothing according to claim 3, wherein the lamellar or wavelike arranged adhesion layer extends in the direction of a provided longitudinal expansion of the article of clothing.
 22. The article of clothing according to claim
 3. wherein the lamellar or wavelike arranged adhesion layer extends transverse to a provided longitudinal expansion of the article of clothing.
 10. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer consists of silicone or comprises silicone.
 11. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer is imprinted on the textile carrier material.
 12. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the adhesion layer is glued or laminated on the textile carrier material.
 13. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the textile carrier material consists of polyester.
 14. The article of clothing according to claim 1, wherein the textile carrier material consists of a block copolymer from the components polyurethane and polyethylene glycol.
 15. (canceled) 